Game apparatus.



Patented July 9, 1918. 3 SHEETS-SHEET l n; fx

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I. w. IIARBY.

GAME APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. I, I9I7.

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J. W. DARBY.

GAME APPARATUS.

APPLICATloN FILED SEPT. 1. 1911.

1,272,014. Patented July 9,1918.

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' JESSE IDAIRBY, OF LAPORTE,'INDIANA, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALE' T0 JOHN LLOYD Wirren, or tercera, iNDiAivA.

GAME APPARATUS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

' Patented July 9, 1918.

Application led September 1, 1917. Serial No. 189,312.

To all 'wlwm t may concern:

Be it known' that I, JESSE VVILBERT DARBY, a citizen vof. the United States, residing at Laporte, in the county of Laporte and State of Indiana, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Game Apparatus, of which the following is a specification; reference being had to the accompanying drawings. W

This invention relates to certain improvements in game apparatus and has relation more particularly to a device of this general character employing a surface projectile and it is an object of the invention to provide avnovel and improved device of this general characterl employing a plurality of playing surfaces or fields arranged in superimposed relation and wherein the projectile is adapted to be delivered from an upper field to one immediately therebelow.

It is also an object vof theinvention to provide a device of this general character having novel and improved means whereby thedelivery of a projectile from one field to another is under manual control and wherein such control embodiesfa flap or valve normally closing the communication between adjacent fields.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved apparatus including a runway upon which a projectile is adapted to travel together with means for controlling the extent of travel of the projectile along the trackway and wherein the extent of travel of the projectile is determined by chance and as afforded by a second projectile traveling over a' playing field.

The ,invention` also contemplates for an object to provide a novel and improved apparatus whereby the well known game of baseball may be simulated.

The invention consists in the details' of construction and in the combination and arrangement of the several parts of my improved game wherein certain important advantages are attained and the device rendered simpler; less expensive and otherwise more convenient and advantageous for use; as will be hereinafter more fully set forth.

The novel features of my invention will' hereinafter be definitely claimed.

In order that my invention may be the better understood l will now proceedto describe the same with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure l is a view in top plan of a game apparatus constructed in accordance with an embodiment of my invention;

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view taken through the device as herein set forth;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 3 3 of F ig. 9;

Fig. 4L is a view in side elevation of my improved apparatuses herein embodied;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary view in side elevation illustrating one of the fiaps or fields as herein embodied for controlling thedelivery of a projectile from one playing field to another; f

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary view in bottom plan of the structure illustrated in Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a view in plan of an impelling member or cue employed in connection with my apparatus; and

Fig. 8 is a view in plan of certain of the player projectiles as herein included.

As disclosed in the accompanying drawingsL A ldenotes a lower or base playing lield of predetermined configuration and disposed on an incline longitudinally; the lower end of the field contacting with the surface upon which the apparatus is positioned. The marginal portion of the field A is defined by the upstanding walls l and secured to the side walls adjacent the 4upper end of the field are the vertically disposed posts or standards 2 which serve to support said rear portion of the field A and maintain the same on a predetermined incline.

The posts or standards 2 extend a predetermined distance above the playing field A and operatively engaged with said posts or standards 2 are the side flanges 3 defining the marginal portions of the second playing field BQ The field B is arranged a predetermined distance above the playing field A and has its forward end portion overlying the rear end portion of the field A. The

field B is disposed on an incline substantially the same as the field A. Operatively engaged with the rear portion of the field B are the posts or standards 4 which serve to properly support said playing field B. The posts or standards 4 extend a predetermined distance above the playing field B and operatively engaged with the posts or standards 2 and 4 above the rear portion of the playing field B is a third playing field C, the marginal portions of which being defi-ned by the walls 5.- -p

Supported by the posts 4 above they rear portion of the playing field C is ax fourth playing field D. The fields C and D are' alsodisposed on predetermined inclines and A preferably substantially the samel as the in:

clination of the fields A and B.

The rear portion of the playing defined by an upstandingarcuate wall 6 substantially semi-circular inform and one' l lower end of the playing fieldA.

` The opposite or inner marginal portion of' the alley or runwayrR is defined by the upstanding wall 9' which extends partially within the field D with its upper end portion 10 conforming to the curvatin'ie of the adjacent portion of the wall 6. 11 denotes an upst-anding arcuate wall positioned upon thefield D and leading from the free end of the portion 10 of the wall 9 to the wall y6' at afpoint remote from the alley or runway It;

rlhe wall 11 is curved reversely to the wall 6 so thata confined playing area is" afforded.

Atl a predetermined distance inwardly of the low'ermost' portion of the wall 11 the field' D is provided withan opening 2 of a diameter slightly in excess of the diameter of the projectiley 14 herein disclosed as a spherical body and which is preferably the size of a cue ball as employed in the game of billiards or pool.y

Arranged at opposite sides and below the opening 12 are the upstanding pins 15 which serve torender more difficult the entrance of the projectile 14 within the opening 12.

Hingedly engaged as at 16l to the undersurface of the playing field D and at a pr'edetermined point belen7 the opening 12 is the end portion of the fia-p or valve 17 which is `of a lengthto underlie the opening 12.

The fiap or valve 17- is normally maintained in a closed position relative to the opening 12 through the medium of Vthe springlS. Ihe upperface 19 of the fia-p or valve 17 1s grooved so that when'lowered the fiapor valve will serve asa l'ehu-te to deliver the pro'- jectile 14 at the upper portion of the playing field C;- the playing field D is provided with the flared recess 20 in communication'with the opei'iing 12 as is particularly illustrated in Fig'.- 2. Thevalve or flap 17 is moved into an open positionv tlf-rough the medium of the crank or 'rock arm 21 carried by the shaft 22 disposed transversely of the playing iieid D field n is and extending beyond Vone side thereof.l The outer or free end portion of the rock arm or crank 21 is operatively engagcdpwiththefree end portion of the flap or valve 17'a11'id the outer end portion of the shaft 22 is provided with an upstanding operating lever 24. It will be self evident that upon movement or `the lever 24 in one direction the rock arm or crank 2:1 will cause the flap or valve 17 to assu-me an open position.

Disposed across the lower portion of the playing field C is an upstan'ding wall 25 substantially semi-circular and disposed through the playing field C intermediate the lowermost portion of the wall 2'5 and the lower end of the field D are the longitudinally alined openings 26 and 27 arranged at substantially the transverse center of the field C. Each of the openings 26 and 27 is of such a diameter as to permit the passage therethrough of the proj ectile14. The opening 27 is in close proximity to the wall 25 and the u-pper part of the lower wall of the opening 27 is beveled as at 3() to facilitate the entrance of the projectile 14 within the opening 27.

(lo-acting with each of the openings 26 and 27 is a flap or valve 31 mounted in sub stantially the same manner as the flap or valve 17 hereinbefore referred to and which is thrown into an open position through the mediumof an operating lever 32'.y

'The playing field C below the playing field D is provided with a plurality of up-` ivardly facing pockets afforded by the upstanding pins 33 and as herein embodied are arranged in simulation of certain of the players in a ball game. The portion of the playing field C underlying the' field D is provided with a plurality of upstanding pins 34 arranged in staggered relation and which serve tof cause the projectile 14 to travel in 'a path of chance. The portion of the playing field C below the playing field D and intermediate the pockets is also provided with the upstan'ding pins 35 arranged for asimilar purpose.

The playing fieldB has .disposed across the lower portion thereof the arcuate vupstanding wall 36 and adjacent' the lower portion, of the wall 36 said playing field is provided with an opening 37,A arranged at substantially the transverse center of the field B. ln longitudinal alinement with the opening 37 and beneath the lower portion of the field Cf the field B is provided with the second opening 38. 'Arranged at opposite sides of the opening 38 and fherebelow are the upstanding pins 39 affording .an upwardly facing pocket. The passage of the projectile 14 through each of the openings 37 and 38V is controlled by a flap or valve 40 mounted in the same manner as the fiaps or valves 17 and 31' hereinbefore referred to and which are adjusted into an open position in a sintilar manner through the medium of the levers 41. A portion of the playing field B below the vplaying field C as defined by the walls 6 has its surface free and unobstructed except by the opening'kv while the portion of the playing field B underlying the field C is provided with the upstanding pins 42 arranged in staggered relation and which serve to cause the projectile 14 to travel over the upper portion of the field B in an indeterminable path. The playing` field A throughout its length isprovided with the upstanding vpins 43 also in staggered relation to cause an uncertain travel of the projectile 14 thereover. The field A below the field B is also provided with the upstanding pins 44 affording upwardly facing pockets and said pockets are positioned at the conventionalv location of the outfielders of a baseball gaine. Below-the pocket identified as center fielder and in longitudinal alinement therewith are 1 arranged thel 4pins 45 affording an upwardly facing pocket for a purpose tobe hereinafter more particularly referred to.V

Arranged above the-lower portion of the playing field D and disposed transversely thereof'is a trackway 46 supported in applied position through the medium of the uprights y47 suitably engaged with the upper playing field .D. The trackway 46 is preferably curved and disposed on a predetermined incline so that a projectile or pallet 48'1nay travel' thorealongfby gravity. Underlying a portion of the trackway 46 is an elongated member 49 and said member 49 at predetermined points longitudinally thereof is provided with the'upstanding pins 50 loosely disposed through the trackway 46 and which serves normally to obstruct the travel of a projectile or pallet 48 along' the trackway.f The member 46 is provided at substantially its longitudinal center with a depending rod or arm 51`loosely disposed through the lower portion of the field lD and interposed between the field D andthe member 49 is an expansible member 52 herein disclosed as la conventional coil spring en'- circling the arm 'or rod 51. Thevexpansible member 52"'serves to normally maintain the member 49 inconta-ct with the Yunder surface ofthe trackway 46-so that the pins 50 obstructthe line of travel along the trackway; Pivotally engaged withthe member 49 at substantiallyits longitudinal `center is the link 53 which' has its lower end portion operatively engaged withth'e rock arm 54 extending upwardly from the transverse shaft :S5-supported by the'playing field D. The shaft extends beyond the side of the playing field D and has the upstanding lever 56'. l It will be self'evidentthat upon imparting movement to the lever 56 in one direction the member 49 rwill be 'lowered so that the pins 50 will eXt-endbelow the upper surface of the trackway 46 so that a projectile or pallet 48 may travel along the trackway.

In use my improved apparatus is supported at a predetermined elevation relative to the player and the projectile 14 is positioned at the lower end'of the alley or runway R andinaintained inv such position through the medium of the bloclr57. A projectile 48 is also positioned at the upper endof the trackway 46 and held against movement downwardly of the trackway by the adjacent pins 50. A player strikes the projectile 14, in a conventional manner, with the impelling member or cue 58 with an en,- deavor to cause .the projectile14 to enter within the opening 12 in the playing field D. Each time the projectile 14 fails-to enter the opening 12 constitutes a strike and three strikes constitutes an out TWhen three outs have occurred a second player tries his skill. `When the projectile 14 enters within the opening 12 a hit occurs whereupon the lever 56 is moved to depressl the pins 50 so that the projectile 48 may move in contact with the next set of pins which are identified as first base. A second projectile 48 is then placed at the upper end of the trackway y46 and which upper end constitutes the startf rThe player then lowers a flap or valve 17 so that the projectile 14 may be discharged'upon the upper portion of the playing field C. As the projectile 14 rolls down the playing field C, the upstanding pins 34 cause the projectile 14 to travel in an indeterminable course and should the projectile 14 be received inone of the pockets afforded by the upstanding pins 33 a play7 occurs as is recorded immediately below each of such 'pockets7 it being understood of course that in order to eect certain of the plays a certain number of projectiles -48 must be positioned upon the traclway 46. Should the projectile 14 seat within the opening 27 the play of the projectile 14 comes to an end. ln order to readily remove the projectile for further play the flap or valve 31 co-acting with'the opening 27 is depressed through the medium of the lever Should the projectile 14 seat within. the opening 26 the projectile is'still in play and the operator depresses t-he co-acting flap or valve 31 so that the projectile will be delivered upon the .upper portion of the playing field The upstanding pins 42 carried by the playing field B will also cause the projectile 14 to travel in an uncertain path and should the projectile 14 enter within the opening 37 the same is out of play. However, should the projectile 14 seat within the opening` 38 the adjacent flap or valve 40 is lowered so that theprojectile will be discharged upon the upper portion of the playingfield A. The upstanding pins 43 will cause the projectile 14 to roll downwardly on the playing 'field A in an indeterminable path and should the projectile 14 be received in anyone of the pockets afforded'by the pins 44 or 45 a1 play Will be made in accordance With the instructions printed or otherwise indicated adjacent each of such pockets. It Will also b'e'understood that as a player as represented by a projectile 48 is to be advanced the member 49 Will be depressed so that no obstruction to the trackvvay 46 Will be' offered by the pins 50.

From the foregoing description, it is thought 1to be obvious that a game apparatus constructed in accordance With my invention is particularly Well adapted for use by reason of the convenience and facility with Which'it may be assembled and operated and it will also be obvious thatV my invention is susceptible of some change and modification Without materially departing from the principle and spirit thereof and for this reason I do' not Wish to be understood as limiting myself to the precise arrangement and formation of the several parts herein shovvn in carrying out my invention in practice eX- c'ept as hereinafter claimed.

I- claim: j

1. A game apparatus comprising a plurality of playing fields in superimposed relation and over Which a projectile is adapted to travel, each' of the upper fields being provided With an opening arranged .above the iields immediately therebeneath, and a swinging valve underlying' each of said openings and having' its free end disposed rearwardly. Y

2. A game apparatus comprising a plurality of playing fields in superimposed relation and over Which a projectile is adapted to travel, the upper fields being provided With openings arranged above the fields im-k mediately therebeneath, and means for nor-- mally closing said openings.`

3. A game apparatus comprising a plus Vrality of playing iields in superimposed relation and over which a projectile is adapted to' travel, the upper' fields being arovided With openings arranged above the elds im-` mediately ytherebe'neath, a valve normally closing each of said openings, and means for moving said valves into an open position.

4. Al game apparatus comprising a plu'- rality of playing fields in superimposed re'- lation and over Which a projectile is adapted to travel, the upper fields being providedY With openingsl arranged above the fields im' mediately'therebeneath, valves coacting With each of the openings of the playing fields and underlying the openings, the upper faces /of said valves being grooved, and

means for adjusting each of said valves into an open posltion. Y

5. A game apparatus comprising a plu'` rality of playing `fields in superimposed re-V lation and over Whicha projectile is adapted to travel, the upper fields being provided with openings arranged above the` fields 1imme'diate'ly thereben'eath, and upstantling pins carried by each of the playingelds. 6. A game apparatusfcemprising a plurality of playing fields in vsuperimposed r'elation and over-Which a projectile is adapt'' tially surrounding certain of the openings in the playing fields. Y

8. A game apparatus comprising a playing field over which a projectile vis adapted to traverse, an inclined track Way, and vertically movable means positioned at different points along the track Way for obstructing travel thereover. v

9. A game apparatus comprising a plurality of playing fields in superimposed relation and over Which a projectile is adapted to travel, the upper fields being provided with openings arranged above the fields immediately therebeneath, a trackvvay over Which a projectile is adapted yto travel by gravity, and means for obstructing the travel over the trackvvay. V

10. A game apparatus comprising aplaying field over which a projectile is adapted to traverse, Van inclined trackvvay, a mem' ber arranged beneath the trackvvay and pro-A vided With pins extending loosely .through the trackvvay, and means for normally maintaining the' member substantially in contact With the trackway', said pins'being of nsuch a length as to obstruct the travel over the trackvvay When the 'member is ,substantially in contact with the trackvvay.

11.- A game apparatus comprising a'playing field yover which a projectile isbadapted to traverse, an inclined trackvvay, a member arranged beneath the trackvvay and f provided with pins extending loosely 'through the trackvvay, means for normally main-V ing field over Which a projectile is adapted to traverse, an inclined track Way, a member normally obstructing the track Way, and means for moving said memberl in a posi- 5 tion to free the track Way.

io means for moving said member in a position to free the track Way, and automatic means for maintaining,- the movable member in its normal position.

In testimony whereof I hereunto atx my signature in the presence of two Witnesses. 15

JESSE W. DARBY.

Witnesses:

H. C. HOOVER, A. B. WIoKIzER.

Copies of this) patent may be obtained for ve cents each. by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. C. 

